by Recthie T. Paculba
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA) — “Our success in tourism is bolstered by our groundbreaking smart tourism initiative, the Isle Visit Camiguin system,” Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo said, citing that the system boosted a 37 percent increase in visitors in 2024 during his State of the Province Address on January 6.
The system, which provides precise and timely data on visitor numbers and demographics, has positioned Camiguin as a model for data-driven tourism growth.
In 2024, Camiguin welcomed 288,558 visitors, up from 210,271 in 2023. This figure includes 269,981 local tourists and 18,577 foreign visitors. The surge in tourism has been a vital contributor to the province’s economic success, complementing its impressive 11 percent economic growth, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This builds on growth rates of 4.7 percent in 2021 and 8 percent in 2022.
Data-driven development
The “Isle Visit Camiguin” system has enabled the province to gain deep insights into tourist behavior and preferences. These insights guide everything from targeted ads and promotional campaigns to the selection of artists and performers for events. By tailoring strategies based on accurate data, Camiguin has elevated both its tourism promotions and visitor experiences.
In 2020, the system revealed that 94 percent of visitors were locals, primarily from Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Gingoog, Davao, Iligan, and Butuan. Among foreign tourists, Europeans dominated, with 25 percent from Spain, 17 percent from the U.S., and notable numbers from France, Germany, Australia, Canada, and the UK.
“We see that more than half of our foreign tourists were from Europe. Seven percent of our tourists arrived by air, 9.5 percent by sea, including the almost 1,000 who came to Camiguin using their own speedboats and yachts. The port of Balingoan remains the primary routeway for the province, as 82 percent of all our tourists came through Balingoan,” Romualdo said.
Demographically, the majority of tourists were young, with 31 percent aged 30-44 and 28 percent aged 15-29. Slightly more male tourists (53 percent) visited compared to females (47 percent).
The governor added that among the 82 provinces and 33 highly urbanized cities in the country, Camiguin is the second fastest-growing economy. It leads all provincial and city economies in Region 10 and stands out as the top performer in Mindanao and the Visayas.
“The key drivers of this economic boom are transportation and storage, other services, human health and social work activities,” he said.
Challenges and resilience
While Camiguin’s tourism initiatives have achieved significant milestones, the province continues to face challenges in maintaining and expanding its programs. Efforts are underway to address operational concerns and ensure the uninterrupted collection and use of tourism data. The local government emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation to sustain progress and adapt to emerging needs.
“This year, I am directing the Provincial Tourism Department to fully mainstream the use of e-ticketing through robust and sustained promotions. I also direct the department to work with our LGUs (local government units) and our mayors to implement e-entrance ticketing in the sites that they operate,” Romualdo said.
To enhance convenience and boost the appeal of Camiguin, the province is fast-tracking the development of two essential digital platforms. The first platform serves as an online shopping platform, showcasing and selling Camiguin products and pasalubong to a global audience, thereby enhancing the visibility of local goods.
The second initiative is an online booking system that aims to simplify and streamline the resort accommodation reservation process, thereby facilitating tourists’ trip planning. These initiatives aim to showcase Camiguin’s distinctive offerings and enhance the overall visitor experience.
“It’s time for us to act even more boldly and seize this opportunity to make our province more accessible,” the governor said.
The local government of Camiguin has officially kicked off the 57th Camiguin Day celebration by opening all sporting events at the Mambajao Gymnasium, Poblacion. There will also be a Lechon Contest, Pista sa Nayon and Palarong Pinoy, a drum and lyre competition, a spelling bee, and competitions in dance sports, bench cheering, and mob dance. To strengthen digital literacy and accessibility, the Department of Information and Communications Technology-10 will launch the Localized and Accessible Knowledge for Inclusive Progress (LAKIP) on January 7. DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM 10 PHOTO
